Irene Mayme Bernecker

Irene Mayme Bernecker was born on September 22, 1908 to parents, James and Jenny (Moore) Morrow of Rock Creek, MN. She was the youngest of 8 children. Irene attended school in Rock Creek through the 8th grade. After elementary school, she attended high school in Pine City where she boarded with friends so she could continue to attend school. Irene went home by horse and buggy each week with her Dad picking her up on Friday evening and bringing her back to town on Sunday evening. She graduated from Pine City High School in 1926. Following high school, Irene worked at the general store in Rock Creek until she married Everett Berglund in 1933. They honeymooned in their Model A Ford and took the Mackinac Ferry to Michigan. On their way home, they went to the world’s fair in Chicago. Irene and Everett lived in the Rock Creek area until 1940 when they moved to a Braham area farm. Irene and Everett had two daughters; Doris and Mary Ann. They enjoyed many vacations to fishing resorts up north. While on the farm, Irene and Everett milked cows and raised chickens, pigs and rabbits. They also had a large garden and canned many vegetables. They cut and sold Christmas trees off the farm for many years. Everett passed away in 1954. Irene also worked at Wee Modern dress shop, Stanton Hardware and Minnesota Poultry as a book-keeper. In 1957, she married Andrew Bernecker. The couple farmed together in Royalton Township where Andy built Irene a new house. They enjoyed 40 happy years together. They traveled a great deal; visiting most of the U.S. Irene and Andy were grandparents to 9 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Andy passed away in 1998. Irene became a great great grandmother of 2 little girls. Irene also enjoyed playing cards, embroidery, crocheting, quilting and laughing with her many friends and relatives. She enjoyed trips delivering RV's visiting many states with Doris and Jerry in her 90's. Irene lived on the farm until she was 101 years old. In November 2009, she moved into the Grace Point Crossing Nursing home in Cambridge where she lived until her death on January 28, 2011. Irene’s motto was “you just have to make the best of it”. And she did this for 102 years. She will be dearly missed by many. Irene is survived by her daughters: Doris (Gerald) Pangerl of Princeton, Mary Ann (Jerry) Nordby of Braham, 9 grandchildren: Denise (Mark) Bauer, Bruce Pangerl, Jeffrey Pangerl, Deanna (Scott) Torgerson, Michael Pangerl, Lori (Randy) Kollar, Connie Roybal, Gordy (Jacque) Nordby, & Kari Nordby, 21 great grandchildren, & 2 great great granddaughters. Irene was preceded in death by her husbands Everett Berglund & Andy Bernecker, infant son John, brothers Bob, Frank & Ernie Morrow, sisters Maude Dugan, Ina Carlson, Neva Berglund, and Nettie Erickson. Funeral services are Wednesday, February 2nd at Braham Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Richard Chronis officiating. Music is provided by Elaine Johnson as organist. Vocalists are Doug Berglund, Kitty Haley and Ed Pangerl. Casketbearers: Bruce Pangerl, Jeffrey Pangerl, Michael Pangerl, Gordy Nordby, Scott Torgerson, & Mark Bauer. Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery of Pine City. Arrangements are with the Swanson Funeral Chapel of Pine City.